Chapter 4_Life & Death as Functions of Myoho Renge Kyo
The Two Phases of Life and Death — Exam Notes
1. Life and Death Reveal Life’s Boundless Potential
Myoho represents the two phases of life:
Myo → death / unmanifest / latent
Ho → life / manifest
The entire universe operates according to this rhythm of manifestation and unmanifestation.
Key understanding
When we realize that our life itself is an entity of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo , we can awaken to the immense:
Life force
Wisdom
Compassion
Potential
Important: Myo also means to open, revive or revitalize .
Easy example: Sleep
Sleep resembles the unmanifest phase.
Before sleep → existing life state
During sleep → revitalization
After waking → same life state returns, but with renewed energy
So death is not viewed simply as an ending, but as another phase within the eternal rhythm of life.
2. Every Living Being Is an Entity of Myoho-Renge-Kyo
All living beings:
Possess the Ten Worlds
Are subject to life and death
Are governed by cause and effect
Therefore embody the workings of Myoho-Renge-Kyo
Why is human life especially valuable?
According to the material:
Human beings have the unique capacity to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and consciously manifest Buddhahood.
3. We Are "Embodied Lotus"
Renge = Lotus = Simultaneity of Cause and Effect
Just as the lotus flower contains flower and seed simultaneously:
Our thoughts, words and actions create causes whose effects are simultaneously planted in our lives.
Therefore:
Entity of Myoho-Renge-Kyo = We embody the principle of the Lotus.
Our life is neither permanently "good" nor "bad."
Our life state changes according to:
Causes + Conditions → Manifested Life State
Through the Mutual Possession of Ten Worlds , the same person can manifest either delusion or Buddhahood.
4. Simultaneity of Cause and Effect Enables Inner Transformation
The principle of Oneness of Life and Environment means:
Our inner life and our environment influence each other.
Therefore, changing ourselves can transform the way we experience and influence our environment.
The crucial point is:
Transformation can begin immediately.
A profound change in our:
Heart
Determination
Attitude
Life state
can change the direction of our life without requiring us to first change our external circumstances.
This is connected with:
Ichinen Sanzen — Three Thousand Realms in a Single Moment of Life
5. "Arising and Extinction"
The material explains:
"Arising is the arising of the essential nature of the Law, and extinction is the extinction of that nature."
The important point is:
Individual manifestations arise and disappear.
The Mystic Law itself continues .
Therefore, death is not the extinction of the fundamental Law.
6. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures Buddha
In the Ceremony in the Air , Shakyamuni Buddha and Many Treasures Buddha appear together.
They illustrate the two phases of life and death.
Shakyamuni Buddha
Shakyamuni says he has constantly remained in the saha world and continues to expound the Mystic Law.
This demonstrates the manifestation of life .
Many Treasures Buddha
Many Treasures Buddha had entered nirvana but appears whenever the Lotus Sutra is expounded to attest to its authenticity.
This symbolizes life emerging from the phase of death .
Key takeaway
Both Buddhas are functions of the Mystic Law and demonstrate that:
Life and death are two phases through which the Mystic Law manifests.
7. Life and Death in the World of Buddhahood
According to the material, Toda Sensei explained that when we die, our life merges with the universe.
The life state at death is therefore important.
Simplified framework
Life state at death → corresponding life state in the universe → conditions for subsequent rebirth
For example:
Buddhahood → life state of Buddhahood
Hunger → life state of hunger
Anger → life state of anger
Animality → life state of animality
Ocean analogy
Ocean = Universe
Rising wave = Birth
Receding wave = Death
The wave appears and disappears, but it is never separate from the ocean.
Similarly:
We are never separate from the universe.
8. Death in the Life State of Buddhahood
According to the material, when one dies in the life state of Buddhahood:
One merges with the universe overflowing with compassion and is reborn with the life force and compassion to work for the happiness of others.
The Bodhisattva of the Earth repeatedly appears because of a vow and compassion to lead people toward enlightenment .
Thus:
Compassion becomes the driving force for continued engagement in kosen-rufu.
9. Mission of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth
The mission is to:
Awaken people to the Mystic Law.
Help people understand the true nature of life and death.
Enable people to transform their karma.
Elevate the life state of humanity.
Lead people toward enlightenment and happiness.
⭐ KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
Myoho
Myo = Death / unmanifest / revive
Ho = Life / manifest
Entity of Myoho-Renge-Kyo
Every living being embodies:
Life + Death + Ten Worlds + Cause and Effect
Renge
Simultaneity of cause and effect
Embodied Lotus
Our thoughts, words and actions create causes and simultaneously plant their effects.
Inner Transformation
Change within → Change in life → Influence environment
Connected with Ichinen Sanzen .
Shakyamuni + Many Treasures
Represent the two phases of life and death and demonstrate that both function within the Mystic Law.
Ocean Analogy
Ocean = Universe | Wave appearing = Birth | Wave receding = Death
Life State
The central point to remember:
The power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is demonstrated through our life state.
Buddhahood at Death
According to the material, dying in the life state of Buddhahood enables one to merge with the compassionate life of the universe and be reborn with the life force and compassion to work for kosen-rufu.
🧠 30-Second Exam Revision
Myoho → Life & Death
Renge → Cause & Effect
Ten Worlds → Different life states
Mutual Possession → Buddhahood exists within every life state
Ichinen Sanzen → Transformation in a single moment of life
Life & Environment → Influence each other
Shakyamuni + Many Treasures → Two phases of Life & Death
Buddhahood → Compassion + Life Force + Wisdom
Bodhisattvas of Earth → Transform humanity's suffering through propagation of Mystic Law
Central keyword → LIFE STATE